Self-care is not just a new fad or the current trend being pushed by media. It’s an important part of all of our lives. Taking care of yourself should not be something you delegate when you think you have extra time, either. It’s an essential part of each and every day.
You would be surprised how often we shirk meeting our basic needs. We miss sleep either for work or to stay up and watch one more show. However, its importance cannot be overstated. Not only does sleep affect how you feel, but it can also alter your judgment, how productive you are, and your energy levels. The most important aspect of sleeping well is creating a sleep schedule and not deviating. Go to bed at the same time, and get up at the same time. Consistency will help you develop a healthy sleep cycle.
Eating healthily is another must. Healthy meals with mostly fresh vegetables and fruit can improve your focus, combat fatigue, improve your memory, and even help you sleep better. Developing an eating schedule can have similar benefits to a sleep schedule. You will be less hungry throughout the day and will be prepared for when you know you will get peckish. Exercise is another way to care for yourself. It can help you feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even just thirty minutes a day can have an impact on the quality of your life and help to balance your emotions.
Unwind Daily
When you get home from work, how do you feel? Has work stressed you? Are you tired, dreading the next work day? Having a healthy way to unwind at night is essential for mental wellness. Teaching yourself techniques to relax every day can help you when you undergo stressful situations. You can use those very techniques to help calm yourself at the moment. You may even see an improvement in your physical health if you take time every day to practice calming. Unwinding is not sitting on your phone for twenty minutes, scrolling through the news or social media. Such behavior is likely to add to your anxiety.
Learn to put technology away, take time every single day, and mindfully relax. Do whatever helps you personally. Do you enjoy soothing music? Spend a few minutes meditating on your favorite soundtrack. Do you like a massage? Invest in equipment to give yourself a mini-massage daily. Sing loudly to release stress. Dance to your favorite mix. Read a novel for twenty minutes.
Reduce Stress
One way to really take care of your mental health is to reduce the amount of stress you feel, period. Identify what is currently causing you repeated stress, and decide how you can eliminate or deal with that particular anxiety. If you are in addiction recovery, stress is something you should reduce at all costs, as it can lead to relapse. By managing your environment to reduce stressors and triggers you can break the cycle of addiction. Avoid negative influences. These not only can cause you anxiety but may lead you down a path you do not wish to go. One way to do so is to learn how to say “no.” Many of us struggle with the idea of disappointing others. Unfortunately, this can lead to some of us accepting more than we can handle, so we have to sacrifice our own happiness and well-being.
Your health and happiness are paramount to your emotional and mental wellness. Developing healthy coping skills and a good routine won’t happen overnight, but each day you can make progress toward your goals. After all, this is your life, and no one else’s. Make it the best and most fulfilling it can be.
